I’m a Missouri girl at heart, but I was recently invited to spend the weekend in Kansas City, Kansas so I took the two-hour trek across state lines and followed that “yellow brick road” to see what adventures and excitement were waiting. I always knew that there were quite a bit of family-friendly activities to do around the Kansas City area, but I was blown away by everything that was available for families to do in Kansas City, Kansas.

From the moment I arrived at a location known as “Village West” in Kansas City, Kansas, I felt like I was home. Seriously. With the Homewood Suites by Hilton as my base, I was able to walk to almost anything that I wanted to do! Being able to plan a vacation or even a weekend getaway for the family is super easy when everything fun is within walking distance!

If you are looking for the perfect family-friendly getaway, look no further than Kansas City, Kansas! Here are a few places that you absolutely must see and visit during your trip!

Kansas City, Kansas: The Perfect Family-Friendly Getaway

Why not make Kansas City, Kansas your home away from home? It’s jam-packed full of family-friendly activities no matter where you look.

Top Hotel Pick for Kansas City, Kansas

• Homewood Suites by Hilton

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to stay at a brand new hotel, located close to everything in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, Homewood Suites by Hilton is where you need to be. Clean rooms, a pleasant staff, an amazing free hot breakfast each and every morning, and a coffee area that never closes? I was able to stay for two nights at this Hilton hotel and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Not only were the rooms large in size, but the Wi-Fi worked well, and they had a great indoor pool as well. Room rates tend to vary depending on the need and size, so book early to secure a room for you and your family.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

10922 Parallel Parkway

Kansas City, Kansas 66109

913-288-9999

Outdoor Family-Friendly Activities in Kansas City, Kansas

• Kayaking the Kansas & Missouri River

Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do. From the moment that we got on the river, I was hooked. We were led on a guided trip by KC Kayak & Canoe and learned some great history about the area and the rivers. Not only was everything provided to us that we needed (canoe, life jackets, etc.), but the guides were amazing and it was obvious that they truly cared about the safety of each and every one us. The water was calm, the breeze was great and it was just a really relaxing time being able to kayak on the two rivers. The views of the city skyline were amazing as well and before I knew it, the 2-hour trip was over.  If you are looking for a truly family-friendly kayaking adventure on the Kansas and Missouri River, this is the adventure for you.

Kansas City Kayak and Canoe

(816) 226-6379

 

• Watching a baseball game at the Kansas City T-Bones Stadium 

If you are looking for a great time at the ballpark, you don’t want to miss out on a Kansas City T-Bones game! It’s the perfect family-friendly outing to be able to watch a minor league professional baseball team. Ticket prices are affordable, with many ticket options priced below $10! And if you are looking for a fun addition, the stadium also shoots off fireworks after the game on Saturday nights! Who doesn’t love hot dogs and baseball? It’s the perfect combo and a must-do in Kansas City, Kansas!

 

Kansas City T-Bones

1800 Village West Parkway

Kansas City, Kansas 66117

 

• Zip KC

Calling all you Ninja course lovers…Zip KC is the place to be. There are so many amazing family-friendly options that it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring everything that there is to offer. You and your family can take a 2-hour guided ninja training tour where you’ll have to do a bus cargo climb, tire toss, and do your best in their vertigo bus. (my favorite obstacle!) And for those of you who love to experience a rush, zip-lining is an option as well! You can even zip line during the nighttime as well! (and if you are in the area over Halloween, I hear that they have an amazing Halloween obstacle course as well!) Rates vary and it’s important to call early and book your spot!

Zip KC

12820 Loring Drive

Bonner Springs, KS

913-214-9478

• Sporting KC Soccer Game

Did you know that Kansas City, Kansas is the Soccer Capital of America? It’s true! Right in the heart of the country sits one of the best stadiums to be able to visit. The stadium, known as Children’s Mercy Park, seats 18,500 excited fans who can’t wait to watch their 2017 US Open Cup Champs take on their opponents. Sitting in the stands in an experience that is truly electric. The fans are active and proud, and for each and every goal, there is a confetti cannon that goes off from the roof area. There isn’t a bad seat in the house and each and every stadium seat is covered to keep the fans out of the elements of Mother Nature. Be prepared to be wowed from the moment that you enter the stadium! Due to popularity, tickets sell out quickly and can be hard to come by so pick a date and get those early!

Sporting KC

One Sporting Way

913-387-3400

After all those amazing outdoor activities, the place to refuel and get some amazing food is…

Slap’s BBQ – The Best BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas

Trust me when I say that eating at Slap’s BBQ HAS to happen. The ribs literally just fall off the bone…and that warm potato salad? Get outta town. The portion sizes are large enough to share and I was fortunate enough to try a bit of everything. The ribs? A must. The chicken? Perfectly cooked. And each and every side dish? Simply amazing. I may have taste-tested my way through an entire order of fries, but each one was absolutely worth it. Come hungry when dining at Slaps BBQ. There is no way that you’ll leave hungry! And if you are planning on eating here during the week, arrive early! The line literally wraps out the door and around the building daily!

Slap’s BBQ

533 Central Avenue

Kansas City, Kansas

913-213-3736

While this is one of the top BBQ joints in Kansas, don’t miss out on these other great BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. There’s a good reason why it’s the BBQ capital of the world! 

Don’t forget these other Family-Friendly Activities when in Kansas City, Kansas!

While there are many outdoor activities that you and your family can do in Kansas City, Kansas, here are a couple indoor/outdoor combinations that your family needs to book as well!

• Frontier Justice

If gun safety is something that you and your family are interested in, Frontier Justice will be right up your alley. Not only can you learn about the guns and all the varying safety precautions, but you can practice those target skills on a simulator or even shoot on one of their shooting lanes. The employees at Frontier Justice do a great job at making certain your questions are answered and educating you on the proper way to hold and handle a gun. And for those in your family who prefer not to shoot or learn about guns, Frontier Justice offers a great shopping boutique as well full of some really awesome clothes and items! Make certain to have a picture ID handy if you are wanting to shoot a gun as that is a requirement to sign a waiver and have your photo ID.

Frontier Justice

10000 France Family Drive

913-215-9177

• Catch a race at the Kansas Speedway

If you’ve ever wondered what a Speedway looked like, there’s no better time than to plan a visit to the Kansas Speedway. Seeing it with your own eyes is such a different experience than watching it on TV! Kansas Speedway is a 1.5-mile racetrack that offers excellent seating for all in attendance. There are 2 NASCAR races that are held there each and every year, with other races scattered throughout. During NASCAR race days, Kansas City, Kansas actually becomes the sixth largest city in Kansas! And if you want to know what it feels like to be a real racecar driver, you can sign up for the NASCAR Racing Experience and see for yourself!

Kansas Speedway

400 Speedway Blvd

913-328-3300

 

No matter what family-friendly activity that you and your family are looking for, Kansas City, Kansas has something for everyone! With all the options above, your family will have no shortage of fun and excitement planned during your trip or vacation to Kansas City, Kansas!